I am open to all new ideas. I learnt this from a very young age (while in primary school).

By trying new things, going to new places, reading books of different genres, etc., I get to learnnew exciting things. Many times, what I learn is of great benefit to my personal and professional lives.

Example: In December 1996, my colleague wanted me to drive him to his travel agent’s office at The Concourseat Beach Road. He wanted to pick up his air ticket for a trip to New Zealand. I could have simply dropped him along Beach Rd, outside The Concourse and waited in the car while he ran up to get his ticket and return. But I chose to park my car at the building to accompany my colleague to the travel agent’s office. (I did’t mind paying the parking fee.) Why did I want to go to the travel agent’s office when I had no need to? I wanted to see if I could learn anything at the travel agent’s office. While my colleague spoke to the travel agent, a nice professional lady, I listened intently. I discovered from their conversation that my colleague had had difficulties booking flights for his return trip to New Zealand. However the travel agent was able to use her contacts to get him seats even though most flights were fully booked.

A few days later, just before Christmas, my younger sister confirmed her decision to go ahead with her plans to study for her bachelor’s degree in USA. However, it being the peak season for international travel, she was unable to book any flights. She had already written to the university accepting their offer of a place and quit her job at a local bank. She was in desparate. I told her not to worry and that I would help.

My trip to my colleague’s travel agency a few days earlier was still fresh in my memory. I called the travel agency and spoke to the same lady who had helped my colleague and told her of my sister’s situation. She said she will try but no promises.

That same afternoon, she had a confirmed booking for my sister! I asked her how she managed it and all she said was she had contacts.

LESSON:
I did not have to accompany my colleague to his travel agent’s office but I did. And I learnt something (that the travel agent was very capable). I don’t brush aside anything as not relevant. Observer things happening around you. Yes, be a busybody. You will defintiely learnt something.